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Lancaster County commissioners approve special permit for 20-acre battery energy storage site, 4-1
Summary
The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve Special Permit 25045 for a roughly 20-acre Battery Energy Storage System north of West Holdrege, after commissioners discussed fire and noise mitigation and local concerns; one commissioner dissented over corporate involvement.
Lancaster County commissioners voted 4-1 on Feb. 24 to approve Special Permit 25045, allowing the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on approximately 20 acres north of West Holdrege.
County Engineer materials and prior public hearing records were considered before the vote. Commissioner Rick Vest said he reviewed fire mitigation, noise mitigation and technological improvements and expressed support for the project while acknowledging neighbors’ concerns. "I support economic development and the need to help balance neighboring landowners' concerns," Vest said. Commissioner Sean Flowerday added that the applicant had met the conditions discussed at the earlier hearing.
Commissioner Matt Schulte cast the lone no vote and framed his position as siding with residents rather than outside developers. "I would support the people of Lancaster County and not the international corporations, and not support Special Permit 25045," Schulte said. Commissioner Chelsea Johnson disclosed she had a conversation with a representative from Malcolm Fire and Rescue.
The resolution (R-26-0020) approving the special permit was moved by Commissioner Rick Vest and seconded by Commissioner Chelsea Johnson; the roll call was Johnson, Flowerday, Vest and Yoakum in favor and Schulte opposed. The board adopted the resolution and the special permit will proceed under the conditions set at the prior hearing and in the adopted resolution.
The action follows a Feb. 10 public hearing in which neighbors, technical reviewers and emergency responders discussed safety and mitigation measures. The Board’s approval marks a local land-use decision; any future construction or operational details will be subject to the permit conditions and applicable county regulations.
